Friday, 26 February, 2016

Final days for comments on proposed new dog rules

Submissions on the Council's proposed new dog control policy and bylaw close on Friday, 4 March.

As part of the proposal, a new interactive map has been developed to show people the areas where dogs would be prohibited and where they would need to be on a leash.

So far more than 150 submissions have been received on the proposed policy and bylaw.

Council's Animal Management Team Leader Mark Vincent thinks the new map will help people who are yet to make a submission.

"It's great to have a visual resource so people will be able to see where they can and can't take their dogs. At this stage we have released a draft map, which shows the proposed areas, but once the proposals are finalised, a new map will be developed."

The interactive map can be viewed on the Council's website by searching for 'dog policy'.

Mr Vincent says all Christchurch registered dog owners were sent information about the proposed new policy and bylaw before the consultation began on 1 February.

"Council staff have been talking to people in locations around the city and explaining the differences between the previous dog rules and the new proposals. We have received a number of detailed and thoughtful submissions, but we are still keen to receive more," Mr Vincent says.

"We also want to hear from people who don't own dogs, as well as those who do, so we can get a balanced perspective."

The dog control policy and bylaw were last reviewed in 2008.

The proposed new dog control policy and bylaw aim to minimise the potential for harm, distress or nuisance that dogs may cause, while balancing this with the recreational needs of dogs and their owners.

Proposed changes include:

• A requirement for dog owners to carry plastic bags to dispose of dog poo when in public places.
• A new definition for the term 'under effective control' relating to keeping your dog near you and in sight when it is off-leash in public places.
• Extending the requirement to have a licence for two or more dogs to Banks Peninsula residents, but only requiring it for properties under one hectare (10,000m2).
• Allowing leashed dogs in Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, New Regent Street, Cashel Mall and New Brighton Pedestrian Mall – where dogs are currently prohibited.
• Requiring dogs to be leashed on, and within one metre of, shared pathways in Hagley Park.
• Reducing the Akaroa beach prohibition from year-round to summer only and lifting other restrictions around the Akaroa waterfront.

The places where people can and can't take their dogs are also set out in the consultation booklet.

Information on the proposals and how to make a submission can be found at www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay, and is available at Council libraries, service centres and Civic Offices.

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Link to the interactive map on the Council's website: www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/plans-strategies-policies-and-bylaws/bylaws/dog-control-policy-and-bylaw-2008/

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